May 1: Jazz Friday at Foosaner Museum of Art, Melbourne. Every first Friday of the month the Foosaner Museum of Art hosts Jazz Friday in their galleries. Expect great music from local favorites. 1463 Highland Avenue, Melbourne FL 32935. 321-674-8916. www.foosanerartmuseum.org

May 1-2: Smokin' Blues, Bikes and BBQ, St. Cloud. Florida BBQ Association sanctioned competition for both pros and backyard teams. Festivities include live blues entertainment, bike show, crafts, children's play area, BBQ vendors and much more. At St. Cloud Lakefront. Free admission. www.stcloudmainstreetflorida.org

May 1: First Saturday Jam, Barberville.On the first Saturday each month visit the Pioneer Settlement for entertainment and fun for the entire family. 9 a.m to 4 p.m. Includes informal music jams, free workshops, a chili cook-off, yard sale. 386-749-2959. www.pioneersettlement.org

May 3: Climb to the Moon, Ponce Inlet. Climb to the Moon at Ponce Inlet Lighthouse offers views of the sunset and moonrise from atop the lighthouse on May 3. The lighthouse keeper relates the story of this National Historic Landmark. Sparkling cider and hors d'oeuvres are provided by Inlet Harbor Restaurant. The lighthouse is at 4931 South Peninsula Drive. Participation is limited to 25 people and tickets ($25) must be purchased in advance by calling 386-761-1821 ext. 10. www.ponceinlet.org/climb-to-the-moon-tour

May 8: Friday Family Fest, Melbourne. Held the second Friday of the month in Historic Downtown, it's a family-oriented event that includes art craft and business vendors, lots of great food, beer and wine, a children's activity. Highland Avenue, Melbourne FL 32922. Free. 321-724-1741. www.downtownmelbourne.com

May 9-10: Mayfaire-by-the-Lake, Lakeland.Begun as a crafts fair on the lawn of the Lakeland Public Library, this event has grown into one of Florida's premier outdoor art festivals. Held on Mother's Day weekend each year, Mayfaire is located on the shores of beautiful Lake Morton in the downtown area and is one of the largest and oldest outdoor art festivals in Central Florida. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Lake Morton Drive. Free. 863-688-7743 ext. 237. polkmuseumofart.org

May 11: Mother’s Day at the Gardens, Lake Wales. Don’t just give Mom flowers on her day, give her a garden. Bok Tower Gardens marks Mother’s Day with free admission to all Moms on May 10. Moms can enjoy walks along meandering garden paths and special Mother’s Day Carillon Concerts will be presented at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. www.boktowergardens.org

Weekends May 15 - June 14: Disney Star Wars Weekends, Lake Buena Vista. The Force is always with you as Walt Disney World Resort's Hollywood Studios Park sets the scene for an out of this world event: Star Wars Weekends. Held every weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) from May 15 through June 14. The event features celebrity autographs, shows and a nightly party with Wookies, Ewoks, Stormtroopers and other characters from the Star Wars series. Children ages 12 and under can hone their light saber skills at the Jedi Training Academy, while the whole family can enjoy the Star Tours -- The Adventure Continues attraction at the park. Star Wars Weekends festivities are included in the price of admission to the park ($97 for adults, $91 for children). There are various ticket plans including Florida resident discounts. Visit www.DisneyParks.com.

May 16: DeSoto County Watermelon Festival, Arcadia.Held annually in May, which is the height of watermelon harvesting season. Features a variety of pageants, contests, vendors and activities. At Veterans Park off Highway 70 West. Free admission. 9 am to 4 pm. www.arcadiamainstreet.com

Through May 17: Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, Lake Buena Vista. Spring special event filled with flowers, gardens, topiaries, live music and educational events. See millions of blooming flowers and a vibrant collection of specially themed topiaries. At Walt Disney World's EPCOT with admission. 407-939-5277. http://www.disneyworld.com/flower

May 2: Siesta Key Sand Sculpture Contest, Siesta Key. Bring your pail, shovel, sunglasses and creativity to Siesta Key Public Beach on for the Annual Siesta Key Sand Sculpture Contest. The contest, traditionally held the first Saturday of May, is held near the Pavilion on at Siesta Public Beach. Free and open to all ages of participation, the Siesta Sand Sculpture Contest also awards five cash prizes. www.escape-to-sarasota.com

May 2: 5th Annual Food and Wine on Pine, Anna Maria Island. Culinary event which features more than 25 independent area restaurants along with more than 30 wines, beers and craft beers. Add more than 30 artists and a juried art show, fun for the kids, folks in period costumes, live music, a fully loaded Kentucky Derby tent outfitted with Big Screen TV’s and more and you should have a great time. Pine Ave, Anna Maria Island, 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Admission: $2. www.foodandwineonpine.com

May 8-9: Gator Nationals World Karate Championships, Tampa. Visitors can sit back and watch martial arts professionals kick, punch, knee and elbow their way into locks, throws and restraints. For ticket prices or further details, call 407-701-7030 or visit http://www.gn-wkc.com/.

May 9: Temple Terrace Craft BrewFest 2015, Temple Terrace. New this year, the Craft BrewFest will feature beers from Two Henrys Brewing Company and Bayshore Beer co plus food from local food trucks. Starts at 3 p.m. at Woodmont Park. www.templeterracebrewfest.com

May 14-16: Harvey Milk Festival, Sarasota. The 6th annual Harvey Milk Festival features a variety of music, art and film over three days. Downtown Sarasota at Five Points Park and various other venues. Admission is free to Five Points Park events. - See more at: www.escape-to-sarasota.com

May 23: Venice Brew Bash IV, Venice. More than 60 craft and imported beers along with live music, food trucks and local vendors. Samples of the beers are provided, not full bottles of beer. Must be 21 and older. Tickets: $30, $35 at the door, designated drivers no charge. 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Miami Avenue, downtown Venice. www.venicebrewbash.com

May 31 - June 21: The Sarasota Music Festival, Sarasota. For three weeks you can enjoy the best up and coming young musicians from around the world along with chamber music, master classes and concerts. - See more at: www.sarasotaorchestra.org

TBA: 9th Annual Turtle Trot 5K, Fort Myers. Time to dust off your running shoes? The 9th Annual Turtle Trot 5K Race invites runners, joggers and walkers alike to Lovers Key State Park to join in the fun on May 10. Participants will trek over a path along Black Island Trail, run up a 38-foot hill and cross two bridges as they race toward the finish line at the beach. The event is presented by Friends of Lovers Key, Inc., a non-profit organization that is raising money for a Visitor Center to be built at Lovers Key State Park so if you choose to participate, you can enjoy nature, have fun and support a great cause. Lovers Key State Park is at 8700 Estero Boulevard. Would-be participants can register on line at www.friendsofloverskey.org or stop by the park and pick up a paper registration form. Cost to participate is $30 for all ages the week before the race; $35 the day of the race.

May 3: 20th Annual Taste of the Beach, Fort Myers. More than 20 restaurants will participate along with live on-stage concerts. Restaurants will offer samples of their signature dishes available for purchase and compete for top Taste of the Beach Award honors in the categories of Best Appetizer, Best Desert, and four awards for Best Entrée. Gates open at 11:00 a.m. Food will be served until 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 each. Old San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. tasteoffortmyersbeach.com

May 9: Great Dock Canoe Race, Naples.Wildly decorated canoes and costumed paddlers compete in this annual event in Naples Bay in front of The Dock restaurant at Naples City Dock. This year's event begins at 11 a.m. and the theme is "The Hunger Games." Free for spectators. There is an entry fee to compete. www.greatdockcanoerace.com

May 21: Downtown Gallery Walk, Punta Gorda. Held monthly on the third Thursday, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Visit any of the downtown merchants, restaurants and galleries for your game card. As always, there will be live entertainment, food and drink samplings, art, beauty and health demonstrations, a free trolley, and an evening of fun. Free; free parking. 941-505-1915. www.puntagordashopping.com

South Florida and the Keys (including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Key Largo, Key West and the Treasure Coast)

Through May 3: SunFest, West Palm Beach. Florida's largest music, art and waterfront festival attracts nearly 300,000 fun-in-the-sun seekers with headliners in every music genre from rock to rap and hip-hop to blues. Admission. 561-659-5980. www.sunfest.com

May 3: Greynolds Park Annual Love-In, North Miami Beach. Miami-Dade Parks' annual 1960s-themed outdoor festival and concert. It features live music, a '60s costume contest, vintage VW bugs and a great time for the whole family. Greynolds Park. Admission $15 in advance, $20 at the door. 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. www.greynoldslovein.org

May 3: Suntrust Sunday Jazz Brunch, Fort Lauderdale.Live outdoor concert series bringing the area's best local jazz artists to the city's scenic Riverwalk the first Sunday of each month. Listen to the soulful sounds on four different stages. Everyone is welcome to attend, including well-behaved, leashed pets, and there is ample room to set up chairs, blankets and picnic baskets. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission. 954-828-5363. www.fortlauderdale.gov

May 14-17: Key Largo Original Music Festival, Key Largo. Multiple melodic happenings are to set the stage for music lovers during the annual festival, featuring live and original performances. Hit songwriters from Nashville and around the U.S. are expected to appear during the four-day festival on various intimate stages. Individual singers and bands, both locally and nationally acclaimed, participate in the musical celebration that includes pop, rock, blues, jazz and country. For more information, visit www.keylargosongwritersfestival.com.

May 14-17: Discovery Series, Miami Beach. Witness the emergence of the Next Great Generation of keyboard giants and brilliant prodigies in an intimate, non-competitive setting. Colony Theater. Admission details online. www.miamipianofest.com

May 15: Third Thursday Art Walk, Islamorada.The Morada Way Third Thursday Art Walk presents local fine arts, music and culinary specialties on May 15. The galleries of Morada Way are between Mile Markers 81 and 82. Event hours are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. For details, visit www.fla-keys.com.

May 15-17: Sunshine State Games Spring Festival, Broward County. Rugby, figure skating, lacrosse and rugby will take place at Saveology Iceplex in Coral Springs. Entry fee and registration date information can be found at www.flasports.com

May 15-17: Redland International Orchid Show, Homestead. One of the largest annual orchid shows in the U.S. featuring more than 50 booths of educational exhibits and orchid vendors. An American Orchid Society judged event showcasing various types of orchids, plants and supplies for sale, as well as raffles, international food and lectures by experts. At Fruit and Spice Park. Admission is $10. 305-247-5727. www.fruitandspicepark.org

May 16: Battle in the Bay Dragon Boat Festival, Marathon.Don't miss this high-action event as High Five Dragon Boat arrives in Marathon for the only beach-launch boat race of its kind. Bring a team or come and watch as boats race along a 400-meter course parallel to Sombrero Beach. Finals begin around 2 p.m. Spectators free. 305-766-1053. www.battleinthebaydragonboat.com

May 16-17: KEYS100 Ultra-Marathon, Florida Keys.The Keys' annual KEYS100 Ultra-Marathon races are set for Saturday with racers navigating up to 40 bridges over the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and Gulf of Mexico. Three competitions take racers along the island chain's Overseas Highway: a 100-mile individual race from Key Largo to Key West, a 50-mile individual race from Marathon to Key West and a 100-mile, six-runner team relay race from Key Largo to Key West. Close to 900 runners are expected to compete. The 100-mile team relay and individual races are to begin Saturday at 6 a.m. and 6:10 a.m., respectively, on the sidewalk near Mile Marker 100 at the Divers Direct and Office Depot shopping center ocean-side in Key Largo. The 50-mile challenge is to begin at 9:45 a.m. at Mile Marker 50 in front of the Marathon Garden Club. There are various fees to compete (proceeds benefit charity) but it is free to watch. Visit www.keys100.com.

May 16: Bunfest, Stuart. The Southeast Bunfest is all about bunnies and the people who love them on May 16. Sponsored by the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, activities for all ages are planned and there will be a Critter Spa, Bunny Playground, bunny seminars and adoptable critters. Visitors are invited to bring their bunny if they have one. The event, at the Flagler Place, is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information, visit www.hstc1.org.

April 30-May 3: World of Nations Celebration, Jacksonville.Celebration of rich cultural traditions and unique heritage of people from around the world, where you can experience the cuisine, artistry and customs from lands near and far. At Metropolitan Park. Admission $5. 904-630-3690. www.makeascenedowntown.com/Events/World-of-Nations-Celebration.aspx

May 1-3: Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, Fernandina Beach. The Pirate Parade is the kick-off event for the annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival. Includes stage performances, putt putt tournament, blessing of the fleet, best decorated boat contest and more. In downtown area. www.shrimpfestival.com

May 1-3: Gamble Rogers Folk Festival, St. Augustine.This annual event celebrates the best in folk and Americana for three days with music, stories and dance that made Gamble Rogers famous. On Friday, during the Old City’s First Friday Art Walk downtown St. Augustine galleries will host festival performers. A stage will be set up at the city marina at the base of the Bridge of Lions, and on Saturday and Sunday performers will take the stage at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre located at 1340 A1A South. A variety of tickets, packages and passes is available. 904-794-4163. www.gamblerogersfest.org

May 5-10: The Players Championship, Ponte Vedra Beach.One of golf's biggest events played annually at Northeast Florida's stunning Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Tournament begins on Tuesday with practice rounds. Thursday, Round 1 of tournament play begins leading up to the big finish on Sunday to see who will take home the crystal trophy. Events, including The Players Downtown Experience, are scheduled throughout the region. Admission, parking fees. 904-543-7446. http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/the-players-championship.html

May 8-17: Romanza Festivale Week, St. Augustine. A celebration of art and music in the Old City featuring more than 50 productions and presentations by more than 30 organizations. Daily events include music and dance performances, concerts, art shows, dramatic productions and more at locations throughout the city. Many of the events are free; admission is required for others and prices vary. www.Romanzafestivale.com

May 15-17: Wild Amelia Nature Festival, Amelia Island.Educates residents and visitors about the bioregion, and encourages stewardship of the area's natural resources. Started by a group of residents who realized that Amelia Island's unique position of being almost surrounded by State and National Parks made it the perfect place for a nature festival. Includes kids activities, live music and more. Wide variety of tours and outings offered, ranging in price. www.wildamelia.com

May 21-24: Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Jacksonville. Jazz performances in the heart of downtown Jacksonville. This year it is a street festival featuring a jazz club atmosphere with multiple stages of entertainment, Art in the Heart Downtown juried art show and sale, children's educational activities and more. In downtown Jacksonville on West Duval Street. Free admission; smaller ticketed events. 904-630-3690. www.makeascenedowntown.com

Through May 2: Suwannee River Jam, Live Oak: The Suwannee River Jam at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park presents a lineup of headliners including Alabama, Josh Turner and Rodney Atkins. A variety of tickets is offered with Saturday tickets costing $50. The Suwannee Music Park is at 3076 95th Drive. For information, visit www.suwanneeriverjam.com.

May 9: Windsor Zucchini Festival, Windsor. For the past several decades, the folks in Windsor celebrate the zucchini with a zucchini contest, zucchini carving a Duke of Zuke & Zuqueenie Pageant and even zucchini ice cream. festivalnet.com

May 16: Newberry Watermelon Festival, Newberry.Some of the favorite festival activities started many years ago and still continue today, including contests for watermelon eating, seed spitting, hog calling, pie/cake baking, and of course the "Big Melon." Melons are from local growers and are provided free to festival goers. At the future site of Destiny Community Church. www.newberrywatermelonfestival.com

May 16: Tupelo Honey Festival, Wewahitchka. Honey is a local delicacy in Wewahitchka, and one day a year people come from all over the world to sample the sweet nectar. Festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.tupelohoneyfestival.com/

The Panhandle (including Pensacola, Panama City Beach, Apalachicola and Destin)

May 1-2: Spring Tour of Historic Homes, Apalachicola.Don't miss the 23rd Annual Trinity Episcopal Church Historic Apalachicola Home and Garden Tour. Many of Apalachicola's private homes and buildings can only be viewed from the exterior except on this day. For a $20 donation you can take a guided tour through architecturally and historically significant homes, churches and commercial buildings. Homes are open to visitors on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 850-653-9550. www.apalachicolahistorichometour.org

Through May 3: Thunder Beach Spring Rally, Panama City Beach.One of the fastest growing motorcycle rallies in the Southeast. Held twice yearly, the first weekend in May and October, to share stories, see great bands and live entertainment, find the hottest custom motorcycles and motorcycle accessories available, and experience a scenic ride on "The World's Most Beautiful Beaches." All activities are free. www.thunderbeachproductions.com

May 22-24: Florida Folk Festival, White Springs. On Memorial Day Weekend the Stephen Foster Folk Cultural Center State Park in the little hamlet of White Springs abounds with the sounds and sights of Florida's finest music, dance and stories. The Florida Folk Festival presents the roots of Florida's many cultures as performers gather from little towns and large cities. One of the oldest state folk festivals in America, the event now brings 30,000 concert-goers to the festival site each year to hear more than 300 performances on multiple stages. 877-635-3655. Admission. www.floridastateparks.org/folkfest/

May 24-26: Memorial Day, Pensacola Beach. Head to Pensacola Beach May 24-28 and experience a Memorial Day Weekend party unlike ever before. Celebrate your pride with more than 60,000 guests from across the country with four days of live entertainment, contests, boat parties, beach house celebrations, costumes and much more, extending the beautiful sugar-white sands of Pensacola Beach. For details, visit www.visitpensacola.com.